Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is suddenly set for the biggest match of his Ireland career so far. He’ll likely start against Belgium this weekend.
Sky Sports report that Ireland no.1 Gavin Bazunu has pulled out of the squad through illness. Bristol City’s Max O’Leary steps into the group as a replacement – but he won’t be the only one benefitting here.
Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher now becomes the obvious first-choice goalkeeper for Ireland. Suddenly, the 23-year-old is set for the biggest matches of his international career so far.
First comes Belgium on Saturday. Ireland host the Red Devils as part of their centenary celebrations before taking on Lithuania next Tuesday. That’s a massive step up from what Kelleher has experienced up to now.
He boasts two caps for Ireland as things stand. The first was 45 minutes against Hungary, with the second his only start coming in Qatar.
Trying to keep out Belgium, and even Lithuania is a real test of the young goalkeeper as he looks to establish himself at international level.
Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher to start for Ireland
Kelleher continues to enjoy a remarkable year, then. We saw him lift the EFL Cup last month, of course – the undoubted highlight of his career so far. Now he should get some proper games for his country, potentially against one of the world’s best international sides.
It’s all coming together for Kelleher, a goalkeeper that Jurgen Klopp considers to be ‘exceptional’. He’s getting his moments in the sun and showing what he can do.
We imagine Liverpool are ecstatic with the news, too. They want Kelleher tested at the top level, even though they can’t always provide that test themselves. The more big games, the better he should become.
And he’s well on his way to becoming a fantastic goalkeeper for Liverpool.
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